Pharmacy Students Attend National Legislative Conference

May 30, 2008

Thirteen Ohio Northern University pharmacy students and their advisors attended the National Community Pharmacists Association's (NCPA) 40th Annual Conference on National Legislation and Government Affairs May 19-21 in Washington, D.C.

"The group attended nine meetings in Congressional offices and two large meetings in the Senate offices. The participants advocated for important pharmacy issues such as negotiation rights with pharmacy benefits managers, Medicare D prompt payment and redefining average manufacturer price. This experience allowed students who had not been politically active to speak with policy makers on issues that will affect their profession," said advisor Deirdre Myers, R.Ph., pharmacy instructor.

Attended by nearly 500 pharmacists from around the country, the conference offered the students an opportunity to meet face to face with members of Congress. Among the highlights of the meeting were presentations by a bipartisan and distinguished group that included Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.; Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.; Pat Roberts, R-Kan.; Ken Salazar, D-Colo.; Bob Corker, R-Tenn.; and Mark Pryor, D-Ark.

The conference concluded with a pharmacy rally on Capitol Hill, where nearly a dozen members of Congress applauded the efforts of our nation's community pharmacists to raise awareness.

Founded in 1898, the National Community Pharmacists Association represents the nation's community pharmacists, including the owners of more than 23,000 pharmacies. The nation's independent pharmacies, independent pharmacy franchises and independent chains dispense nearly half of the nation's retail prescription medicines.